Sailing on your first Disney cruise? These are the Disney cruise mistakes you’ll want to avoid during your next trip.
I am a self-proclaimed cruiser and Disney lover. At this point, I have been on over 20 cruises in my life and have probably visited Disney World over 30 times. In 2024, I boarded the Disney Wish for the most incredible three-day cruise! But, even with all this experience, sometimes mistakes can be made. While it didn’t change the fact that I had an amazing time, there are a few things I did that I would advise against when it comes to making the most of my time on board.
Mistakes to Avoid on Disney Cruise Lines
As I said, these errors did not affect my overall experience on board. But hopefully they will offer you some useful tips to make the most of your time on board.
Mistake #1: Trying to fit everything into three nights
When I was sailing aboard the Disney Wish, my cruise lasted only three nights. With a ship like the Wish, you’ll want to try to pack everything into those three nights. From the Hyperspace Lounge to the Cove and more, there are plenty of things you’ll want to do when you’re on board.
My approach was that I wanted to include everything in my three-night cruise. I had great ideas of doing trivia, drinking in bars, meeting characters, and more. And although I could do everything, I only had time to do a little of each thing.
How to avoid my mistake
On the first day of sailing, as soon as you board, you will be able to access the Navigator app. Here you will see all the events scheduled for the duration of your cruise. Review the app and mark the events that interest you most. The app will automatically come preloaded with items marked based on your dinner time. But, by reviewing and “weighting” the items you care about most, it will help you prioritize the events you most want to host.
Mistake #2: Scheduling a massage on a three-night cruise
I usually love getting massages when I’m on a cruise. The spas are so relaxing on the ships that they create a perfect setting. But, on a three-night cruise, two hours at the spa is a long time to do one thing. In my Wish browsing, I booked a 75-minute massage on Nassau Day. While it was calming and relaxing, it took a good amount of time during a very short cruise. Looking at the Navigator app, there were many events that took place during that time that I would have attended.
How to avoid my mistake
If you are sailing on Wish for three nights, the best time to get a massage would be on boarding day, but only for 50 minutes so as not to waste too much time. During the day in Nassau and the day in Castaway Cay, there are many activities available on board and on the island. Then you’ll want to make the most of your time.
Mistake #3: Standing on the lower deck during the Sailaway party
To get an optimal view of the Sailaway Party, I would suggest standing on the upper deck to watch the party. For the Wish’s departure party, I stood right in front of the stage, and for the Pirate Party, I watched from the upper deck. My view of the Pirate Party stage was much better and kept people from appearing in front of me to take pictures and videos. While I could still see the characters, there is no elevation on the lower floor, so there were sometimes people blocking my view.
How to avoid my mistake
One of the best views of the stage is on the upper pool deck overlooking the stage. For both the Sailaway Party and the Pirate Party, I would suggest standing on the right side of the stage. The view is great and there are usually more spots available before the show.
Mistake #4: procrastinating
I feel like this is something everyone does sometimes. Waiting to do things until the last night of the cruise. Happens. I tried to buy all the souvenirs I wanted on the first day because I knew they would run out quickly. I bought a few more things last night and the line was very long and wrapped around the store. I waited until the last night to do some other activities, which I think was partly because I participated in other events during the cruise. Again, that’s the slow effect of using your time for certain things.
How to avoid my mistake
Make sure you buy all your souvenirs on the first night and be prepared to wait in line if you don’t. Again, be sure to use the Navigator app to schedule and plan events so you’re not in a rush to get everything done on the last night.
Mistake #5: Booking a three-night cruise
If you were to tell me about my experience at Wish, I would tell you that there were no downsides except for one thing: the fact that it was only three nights. And I guess it was a mistake on my part. I would like the cruise to be at least four nights or longer to include everything in the itinerary. The three-night cruise did not offer a separate pirate night menu and there was no day at sea to explore further.
How to avoid my mistake
Book at least one four-night cruise with Disney. Disney Wish offers a three- and four-night itinerary, so I would definitely try to book that four-night one so you can enjoy the day at sea and the extra pirate night. And if you’re looking for a seven-night cruise, Disney’s Treasure will set sail from Port Canaveral in 2025. Talk about the perfect time frame to explore!
